Take rounding practice to the next level with our engaging Rounding Octopus Puzzle: Hundreds. This interactive activity encourages students to round three-digit numbers to the nearest hundred by matching puzzle pieces in a visual, hands-on format. Each octopus body is labelled with a rounded number, and students must find and match the eight legs that correspond to it.

Designed to strengthen understanding of place value and number sense, this resource provides a fun way to practise rounding through play-based learning. Whether used in a small group or as a fast finisher task, students will love matching legs and bodies to solve the puzzle. You can also incorporate an element of challenge by turning the legs face down and inviting students to flip and check their match – a great way to develop reasoning and memory skills.

This versatile activity comes in both full colour and black and white formats. The black and white version can be printed on different coloured cardstock to support students who benefit from visual cues. You’ll also find a blank black and white octopus template included, perfect for creating your own differentiated puzzles or for use in craft-based learning tasks.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• ✅ Round three-digit numbers to the nearest hundred
• ✅ Apply place value understanding to estimate and match
• ✅ Strengthen numeracy fluency through visual puzzles
• ✅ Support independent and group learning
• ✅ Promote critical thinking and pattern recognition

What’s Included:

• Octopus bodies with rounded numbers (hundreds)
• Matching legs with numbers to be rounded
• Colour and black and white versions for printing flexibility
• Blank octopus template in black and white for customisation

Materials Needed:

• Printed puzzle pieces (cardstock recommended)
• Scissors for cutting legs and bodies
• Ziplock bags or envelopes for set storage
• Coloured paper for sorting or differentiation (optional)

How to Use:

1. Print and cut the octopus bodies and legs.
2. Distribute one or more octopus bodies to each student or group.
3. Spread the legs face up for a straightforward game or face down for memory play.
4. Students round each number and match the correct legs to their body.
5. Use the blank template to make your own puzzles or to extend the learning.

Ideas for Classroom Use:

• 💡 Use during maths rotations to reinforce rounding skills
• 💡 Assign as a fast finisher task to encourage self-directed learning
• 💡 Pair with MAB blocks for visual support when introducing rounding
• 💡 Create a rounding relay race using multiple puzzle sets for team play
• 💡 Use the blank version to have students generate their own puzzles for peers

Top Teacher Tips:

• 💛 Print on thick card and laminate to ensure long-term durability
• 💛 Keep each set in its own bag or folder to save time when setting up
• 💛 Use colour coding or symbols to group related legs and bodies for early learners

Looking for a simpler challenge? Try our Rounding Octopus Puzzle: Tens for rounding to the nearest ten.

Rounding Octopus Puzzle: Hundreds is an exciting way to reinforce rounding concepts with visual clarity and classroom fun.